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Published on: July 5, 2017
Exercise training in obese older adults prevents increase in bone turnover and attenuates decrease in hip bone
Krupa Shah1, Reina Armamento-Villareal, Nehu Parimi
1Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Science, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Summary
Combining diet and exercise is crucial for obese older adults undergoing weight loss therapy. This approach helps minimize bone loss and maintain bone mineral density, unlike diet alone.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Metabolic Health
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Obesity in older adults presents a health challenge, with weight loss therapy often leading to detrimental bone loss.
- Exercise training (ET) is recommended to mitigate bone loss during weight reduction interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent and combined effects of weight loss and ET on bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) in obese older adults.
Main Methods:
- 107 obese older adults (>65 years) were randomized into four groups: control, diet only, ET only, and diet-plus-ET.
- Interventions lasted 1 year, with assessments of body weight, BMD, and bone turnover markers (serum CTX, osteocalcin, procollagen propeptide).
- Hormonal changes (leptin, estradiol) and predictors of BMD changes were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Weight loss was significant in diet and diet-plus-ET groups. Hip BMD loss was less in the diet-plus-ET group compared to the diet-only group.
- Bone turnover markers (CTX, osteocalcin) increased with diet alone but remained stable in the diet-plus-ET group, similar to controls.
- Lean body mass, osteocalcin levels, and strength were independent predictors of hip BMD changes.
Conclusions:
- Adding ET to weight loss therapy in obese older adults prevents increased bone turnover.
- Combined therapy attenuates the reduction in hip BMD associated with weight loss, even with hormonal changes.
- ET is vital for preserving bone health during weight management in older adults.
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